Legislators OK Campus Handgun Carry

The campus gun control bill that is now on Gov. Bill Haslam’s desk awaiting his signature makes college campuses safer, according to Sen. Mike Bell (R-Riceville).

“The main reason I had the bill drafted and introduced was to allow an individual exercise their personal right to self defense” Bell said, “I believe by having individuals exercise, it will make the overall campus safer by eliminating gun free zones.”

The senate voted 28-5 and house voted 69-24 in favor of the bill.

This bill allows higher education full time employees of state public colleges and universities to carry a hand gun while on property. This is only allowed for the employees with a valid Tennessee hand gun permit.

There are provisions prohibiting faculty and staff from going armed in sports stadiums and arenas while public events are being held.

A survey at the University of Tennessee found that 87 percent of the faculty were against the bill. Only six percent supported it.

“I had the bill drafted after sitting in on the Senate Education’s summer study committee hearing on campus safety” Said Bell, “One thing we learned was according to TBI statistics over all crime was down but violent crime was up on our public college and university campuses”

Several UT professors said they would leave the state if the bill passed, according to Knoxville News Sentinel. 22 percent of the 238 faculty members said that they would resign or retire if this bill passed.

Rep. Rick Womick (R-Murfreesboro) told the Knoxville News Sentinel, “For everyone of these professors who want to leave, fine; there are more than enough who do want to carry and stay.”

The bill requires faculty and staff who decide to bring firearms onto campus to notify the local law enforcement. This bill also keeps information confidential from students, other employees and campus administrators.

“Right now, I am not sure what the Governor may do. I have heard this may be a bill where he is considering a veto,” said Bell.

This bill will take action on July 1, 2016 if Gov. Haslam signs the bill.